How to Pick Your Wedding Venue

Wedding Planner Lucy Kent has been turning dreams in to reality for more than 15 years at Newstead Priory, one of Lincolnshire’s most stunning and historical wedding venues. Here Lucy shares her top tips for finding the perfect venue...

Deciding together...
It might sound obvious but before the excitement takes over it is important you sit down as a couple and make the basic decisions about your day. Would you like a civil ceremony or a church wedding? Would you like a venue in your local area or further afield? Now is the time to compromise and consider the various options so that you are both happy and have the same day in mind.

Budget & Guests...
Perhaps the two most influential factors: budget and guest numbers. Sit down together and draw up a draft list of guests to you can look for appropriately sized venues. You will also need a budget in mind so that when you visit venues they can discuss viable options with you. For the right venue be prepared to review guest numbers!

Do your homework...
Whilst visiting venues is fun, you can soon tire and feel over whelmed if you don’t compile a suitable list. Visit venue websites and make sure they meet your requirements before booking a viewing. If there is something you are not sure about don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask. Often venues can be flexible so don’t automatically rule one out without further research.

Setting the date...
Deciding on the time of year you wish to marry may influence your venue choice. Once you have decided on spring, summer, autumn or winter, keep this firmly in mind when looking around venues. If you have an exact date set, check availability before you visit to avoid disappointment. That said, for your dream venue you might want to consider changing the date!

The two P’s...
Your wedding day should be exclusive for only you, your partner and your guests to enjoy without interruptions. Think carefully about privacy and choose a venue which has ample parking for your guests, this is an important consideration your guests will appreciate, especially those that require easy access.

Visualizing the day...
When you visit potential venues run through your wedding day in your mind and trust your gut instinct. Most of our couples say that they knew they had found the right venue for them as they felt excited and could picture their big day whilst looking round. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere and if you are still unsure plan another visit.

Weather Options & Expert Advice...
Choose a venue with plenty of indoor and outdoor space so whatever the weather you can enjoy the whole day. Make the most of resident wedding planners and ask plenty of questions, they will have the knowledge of what can and can’t be done at the venue and can offer lots of help and advice if needed.

Don’t be Pressured... 
Everyone is different when it comes to making decisions. If you have your heart set on a venue and are happy with availability go for it. But, if you need more time and don’t feel 100%, never feel pressured in to booking. Choosing your venue is the biggest decision you both make about your special day so take your time and enjoy it!

For further information about Newstead Priory please phone (01652) 653283. You can also find ‘Newstead Priory Weddings Lincolnshire’ on Facebook.